Why are travel agents using line-sitters?

Why travelers are paying for TSA line sitters

Some airports are seeing long security lines again, and a new workaround has emerged: travelers hire “line-sitters” to hold their place in queue while the passenger steps away. The practice is appearing because staffing shortages are disrupting airport operations, turning what used to be a routine wait into a process that can eat up a large portion of the travel day.

That matters for two practical reasons.

First, it changes the economics of flying. If your goal is to get to your gate on time, the time cost can become so high that paying extra—reportedly around $70 an hour in one account—feels like a rational tradeoff. The “hidden” cost of delays becomes as real as checked-bag fees or seat upgrades.

Second, it can create uncertainty. Security procedures are designed for orderly screening, but queue-holding arrangements introduce additional coordination and risk if airport or TSA rules are enforced differently by location. Travelers considering the option should assume they may be required to return to screening promptly and should not rely on the presence of a sitter as a guarantee.

What this signals for planning

• Build more buffer time than usual for airport security.
• Consider alternate routes to get through checkpoints faster (when available).
• If you’re tempted by queue-holding services, weigh the cost against potential policy enforcement and the possibility your sitter plan won’t help.

Overall, the trend reflects a broader theme in current travel: when staffing and scheduling strains hit airports, people look for any lever to reduce the stress and time pressure—sometimes even by paying strangers to manage their spot in line.